ASHOKAN EDICTS

Edicts

The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Ashoka as well as boulders and cave walls made by the Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire during his reign from 269 BCE to 232 BCE. These inscriptions were dispersed throughout the areas of modern-day Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan and provide the first tangible evidence of Buddhism. The edicts describe in detail Ashoka's view about dhamma. The Edicts are divided into:
1 - Minor Rock Edicts: Edicts inscribed at the beginning of Ashoka's reign.
2 - Minor Pillar Edicts: Schism Edict, Queen's Edict, Rummindei Edict, Nigali Sagar Edict.
3 - Major Rock Edicts: 14 Edicts (termed 1st to 14th) and 2 separate ones found in Odisha.
4 - Major Pillar Edicts: 7 Edicts, inscribed at the end of Ashoka's reign.
These inscriptions proclaim Ashoka's adherence to the Buddhist philosophy which, as in Hinduism is called dharma, "Law". The inscriptions show his efforts to develop the Buddhist dharma throughout his kingdom. Although Buddhism and the Gautama Buddha are mentioned, the edicts focus on social and moral precepts rather than specific religious practices or the philosophical dimension of Buddhism. These were located in public places and were meant for people to read. In these inscriptions, Ashoka refers to himself as "Beloved servant of the Gods" (Devanampiyadasi). The inscriptions revolve around a few recurring themes: Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism, the description of his efforts to spread Buddhism, his moral and religious precepts, and his social and animal welfare program. The edicts were based on Ashoka's ideas on administration and behaviour of people towards one another and religion.

Rock Edict I- Prohibits animal slaughter. Bans festive gatherings and killings of animals. Only two peacocks and one deer were killed in Asoka’s kitchen. He wished to discontinue this practice of killing two peacocks and one deer as well.
Rock Edict II - Provides for care for man and animals, describes Chola, Pandyas, Satyapura and Keralputra Kingdoms of South India.
Rock Edict III - Generosity to Brahmans. Issued after 12 years of Asoka’s coronation. It says that the Yuktas (subordinate officers and Pradesikas (district Heads) along with Rajukas (Rural officers ) shall go to all areas of the kingdom every five years and spread the Dhamma Policy of Asoka.
Rock Edict IV- Dhammaghosa is ideal to mankind and not the Bherighosa. Impact of Dhamma on society.
Rock Edict V - concerns about the policy towards slaves. He mentions in this rock edict "Every Human is my child". Appointment of Dhammamahamatras is mentioned in this edict.
Rock Edict VI - Describes King’s desire to get informed about the conditions of the people constantly. Talks about welfare measures.
Rock Edict VII - Requests tolerance for all religions - "To foster one’s own sect, depreciating the others out of affection for one’s own, to exalt its merit, is to do the worst harm to one’s own sect.“
Rock Edict VIII - Describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya & Bodhi Tree.
Rock Edict IX - Condemns popular ceremonies. Stress in ceremonies of Dhamma.
Rock Edict X - Condemns the desire for fame and glory. Stresses on the popularity of Dhamma.
Rock Edict XI- Elaborates Dhamma.
Rock Edict XII - Directed and determined the request for tolerance among different religious sects.
Rock Edict XIII - It is the largest inscription from the edict. King considered the victory by “Dhamma” to be the foremost victory; mentions the victory of “Dhamma”.
Rock Edict XIV- Describes engraving of inscriptions in different parts of the country.

The Ashoka Chakra (the wheel of Ashoka) is a depiction of the Dharmachakra (the Wheel of Dharma). The wheel has 24 spokes which represent the 12 Laws of Dependent Origination and the 12 Laws of Dependent Termination. The Ashoka Chakra has been widely inscribed on many relics of the Mauryan Emperor, most prominent among which is the Lion Capital of Sarnath and The Ashoka Pillar. The most visible use of the Ashoka Chakra today is at the centre of the National flag of the Republic of India (adopted on 22 July 1947), where it is rendered in a Navy-blue colour on a White background, by replacing the symbol of Charkha (Spinning wheel) of the pre-independence versions of the flag. The Ashoka Chakra can also be seen on the base of the Lion Capital of Ashoka which has been adopted as the National Emblem of India.
The four animals in the Sarnath capital are believed to symbolise different steps of Lord Buddha's life. The Elephant represents the Buddha's idea in reference to the dream of Queen Maya of a white elephant entering her womb. The Bull represents desire during the life of the Buddha as a prince. The Horse represents Buddha's departure from palatial life. The Lion represents the accomplishment of Buddha.

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